System, method and apparatus for modular furniture

ABSTRACT

Modular furniture systems and methods. The modular furniture systems generally comprise a plurality of support surfaces and/or a plurality of support structures. Each support structure is configured to support the support surface above the ground or floor. In the depicted embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other embodiments, other support surfaces can be used such as tabletops. Generally, the support structures are releasably coupled to the support surface such that they can be assembled and disassembled by the user. The modular furniture system is configured such that each support surface is compatible with a variety of support structures. Similarly, each support structure can be compatible with a variety of support surfaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/865,000 filed Jun. 21, 2019. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/865,000 filed Jun. 21, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/718,667 filed Aug. 14, 2018 are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of furniture and more particularly to modular furniture for children.

BACKGROUND

People's needs change over time. Perhaps they move to a new apartment that requires a different size dining table, or they want to convert a coffee table to a desk, or they have a baby that outgrows a high-chair and want to turn it into a standard table-height chair. Traditional furniture often requires replacement to meet these needs.

Conventional children's support devices typically include a child seat or support surface that can be elevated above a floor by a frame. In known children's support devices, the child seat or support surface can be detachable from the support frame for use independent of the support frame. But a child support seat is usually only compatible with a single support frame. Similarly, the child support frame is generally only compatible with a single support seat.

Needs exist for improvement in the art of children's support furniture. It is to the provision of a system, method, and apparatus for modular furniture meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to modular furniture systems and methods. In example embodiments, a modular furniture system according to the present disclosure allows for interchangeability of component parts and allows a caregiver to customize support surfaces and support structures interchangeably within a modular system to suit the needs of the child and caregiver and provide improved flexibility and longer-term affordability.

Modular furniture systems according to example embodiments of the present disclosure generally comprise a plurality of support surfaces and/or a plurality of support structures. Each support structure is configured to support the support surface above the ground or floor. In the depicted embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other embodiments, the support surfaces can be used for other purposes such as tabletops or other general purpose furniture. Generally, the support structures are releasably coupled to the support surface such that they can be assembled and disassembled by the user. The modular furniture system is configured such that each support surface is compatible with a variety of support structures. Additionally or alternatively, each support structure can be compatible with a variety of support surfaces.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular furniture system including a support surface and a first support structure and a second support structure, wherein the support surface is releasably coupled to the first support structure in a first configuration and wherein the support surface is coupled to the second support structure in a second configuration.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular furniture system including a support structure and a first support surface and a second support surface, wherein the support structure is releasably coupled to the first support surface in a first configuration and wherein the support structure is coupled to the second support surface in a second configuration.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure provided herewith will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular furniture system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partially disassembled view of the modular furniture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular toy bar system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular swing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modular chair system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled view of the chair of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partially disassembled side view of the chair of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular chair system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the modular chair system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded or assembly view of the modular chair system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the modular chair system of FIG. 8, with an alternative seat.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modular bassinet system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modular chair system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modular entertainer system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-12 show examples of modular furniture systems according to example embodiments of the present invention. The modular furniture systems generally comprise a plurality of support surfaces and/or a plurality of support structures. Each support structure is configured to support the support surface above the ground, floor or other support structure. In the depicted embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other embodiments, other support surfaces can be used such as tabletops. Generally, the support structures are releasably coupled to the support surface such that they can be assembled and disassembled by the user. The modular furniture system is configured such that each support surface is compatible with a variety of support structures. Similarly, each support structure can be compatible with a variety of support surfaces. Therefore, a single set of components can be configured in a variety of configurations which extends the lifespan of the products and reduces cost and waste.

In example embodiments, the seating surface and support structures are coupled together using a universal attachment method and universal attachment coupling formats. In other words, all seating surfaces and support structures in the modular furniture system can attach to one another using the same attachment mechanism. In example embodiments, the universal attachment method can comprise one or more releasable attachment mechanisms or couplings including snaps, hooks, magnets, or gravity fed attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, the universal attachment method can comprise a semi-permanent or releasable attachment mechanism needing tools to fasten and unfasten, such as screws or nails, or allowing fastening and unfastening without by hand operation without tools. The seating surfaces are configured to comprise the universal attachment method while preserving the correct center of gravity.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a modular furniture system 10 according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the support surfaces include a chair 20, comprising a seating surface and a backrest, a tabletop 30, and an entertainer 40. In this system, each support surface is compatible with the same support structure. In the depicted embodiment, the support structure is a plurality of straight legs 50. Each leg is releasably attached to an attachment point on the respective support surface. In this embodiment, a caregiver can purchase the chair 20 and entertainer 40 with the respective support surface and support frames. When the child outgrows the entertainer support surface, the caregiver can exchange the entertainer support surface for the table top support surface 30 while using the same support structure legs 50.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show another modular furniture system 110 according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the support structure comprises two leg structures 120 with a cross bar 130 therebetween. In the depicted embodiment, the legs 120 and cross bar 130 are coupled together using hubs. In example embodiments, the crossbar 130 of the support structure can be positioned above a child support surface 140 resting on the ground or floor in a first configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. The cross bar 130 can include hanging toys 150 such that it is used as a toy bar. In example embodiments, the legs and/or cross bar can be removably attached to the hubs 160. In this embodiment, the hubs 160 can be used with legs 120 of different sizes to vary the height of the support structure. The hubs 160 can also be used with cross bars 130 of different lengths to vary the width of the support structure. The same support structure can also include pivotal attachments for swing arms 170 to create a second, swing configuration, including a swing seat 180 as shown in FIG. 4. The support legs 120 can also be exchanged for shorter or longer support legs to vary the height of the support structure in the swing configuration.

FIGS. 5-7 show a modular furniture system 210 according to another example embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the support surface can comprise a backless seating surface for use as a stool 220. The seating surface can also act as a base for a chair 230 comprising a back rest and arms. In example embodiments, the chair is releasably attached to the stool base for easy conversion between the stool configuration and chair configurations. The system can also include a chair with a crotch restraint 240 configured to prevent a child from sliding off the seating surface. In example embodiments, the system includes a detachable chair with a crotch restraint formed in the seating surface of the chair. In other embodiments, the crotch restraint is detachably coupled to the seating surface of the chair. The chair with crotch restraint can coupled to longer support legs to form a high-chair configuration 250. The high-chair 250 can optionally include a seating base 254 for use as a toddler seat, and an infant seat 256 configured for mounting to the seating base or for independent use such as for example on a standard chair. The system can also include a tray 260 that can be detachably or movably coupled to the chair. Each of the seating surface configurations are detachably coupled to one or more support structures. In the depicted embodiment, the support structures include a plurality of support legs 270, 270′. The support legs 270, 270′ can vary in height. The support legs can also include accessories, such as a footrest 280 for when the modular furniture system is configured as a high chair 250. In other embodiments, the support structures can include hooks for hanging the chair from a table or other horizontal surface. The support structures can also be used with other support surfaces, such as the inclined sleeper discussed further below

FIGS. 8-11 show a modular furniture system 310 according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the support surface can comprise an inclined chair or sleeper 320. The support structure can comprise a plurality of support legs 330 releasably or permanently attached to the inclined seat 320. In a first configuration, the support legs 330 can rest directly on the floor or ground. In a second configuration, the support legs 330 can be releasably coupled to a rocking base 340. In the depicted embodiment, the rocking base 340 is formed from a pair of curved rockers. In other embodiments, other bases can be used to impart motion to the inclined seat, such as wheels or castors. This modular furniture design allows the inclined chair 320 to be easily converted between a stationary seat and a rocking seat, as show in FIGS. 9 and 10. The convertible support structure can be used with a variety of support surfaces. For example, the support surface can be formed in the configuration of an animal toy format, such as a rocking horse or sheep 360, which a child can sit upon.

FIG. 12 shows a bassinet support surface 410 that is usable with the above described convertible stationary/rocking support structure 340. As illustrated the bassinet 410 can also be coupled to the swing support structure 110 of FIG. 4, can be supported by the legs 50 of FIG. 1 or can rest directly on the floor or ground G. Therefore, the single bassinet support surface 410 is useable with at least four different support structure configurations. Additionally, the legs (50, 120, 270, 270′, 330), seating or support structures (20, 40, 140, 180, 254, 256, 320, 360, 410), and/or other components of the various embodiments disclosed can be the same or universally interchangeable with one another for modular compatibility.

FIG. 13 shows a chair support surface that is convertible between a high-chair 510 and a toddler seat 520. In example embodiments, the legs 530 of the high-chair 510 are formed from multiple components, for example lower leg portions or assemblies 540A, 540B and upper leg portions or assemblies 550A, 550B. The lower legs 540A, 540B can be uncoupled to convert the high-chair 510 to the lower toddler chair 520. A lower leg crossbar portion 560 may be interchangeably used in both the high-chair 510 mode and the toddler chair 520 mode. Optionally, the chair may be foldable or collapsible for compact storage as shown.

FIG. 14 shows a frame 610 that is convertible between an entertainer configuration 620 and a play gym configuration 630. In one mode of use, an entertainer support surface 640 having a seat sling 650 is attached to the support structure 610 to form an infant entertainer 620. In another mode of use, a portion of the support structure 610 is positioned over a play mat 660 to form a play gym 630. Optionally, the structure 610 may be foldable or collapsible for compact storage as shown.

In an example method or mode of use, a single support surface is releasably coupled to a support frame in a first configuration. The support surface is decoupled from all or a portion of the support structure and coupled to a different support structure or support structure element, in a second configuration. In example embodiments, three or more support structure configurations are compatible with a single support surface. In another method of use, a single support structure is releasably coupled to a support surface in a first configuration. The support structure is decoupled from all or a portion of the support surface and coupled to a different support surface or support surface element, in a second configuration. In example embodiments, three or more support surfaces are compatible with a single support structure.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. For example, while the modular furniture system concepts are depicted as related to gear for infants and children, the concept can be applied to any furniture collection. Generally, any of the support surfaces and support structures depicted above can be used interchangeably. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular furniture system comprising; a support surface; and a first support structure and a second support structure; wherein the support surface is releasably coupled to the first support structure in a first configuration and wherein the support surface is coupled to the second support structure in a second configuration.
 2. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the support surface comprises one of a stool top, a chair, an inclined seat, a bassinet, an entertainer, play yard, sleeper, swing, walker, or a tabletop.
 3. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the support surface is configured for use independent of a support structure in a third configuration.
 4. A modular furniture system comprising; a support structure; and a first support surface and a second support surface; wherein the support structure is releasably coupled to the first support surface in a first configuration and wherein the support structure is coupled to the second support surface in a second configuration.
 5. The modular furniture system of claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises one or more legs.
 6. The modular furniture system of claim 4, wherein the support structure is coupled to a rocker base in a third configuration.
 7. A modular furniture system, apparatus, kit, and/or method substantially as disclosed herein. 